Ventilating system

ABSTRACT

Ventilating system including at least one regenerative duct assembly including a case having a discharge flow passage for passing room air, and a supply flow passage for passing outdoor air, formed therein, a crossflow type heat exchanger in the case, the crossflow type heat exchanger being provided to make the discharge flow passage, and the supply flow passage to cross each other, discharge ducts on an outdoor side and an indoor side of the case, the discharge ducts being in communication with the discharge flow passage, and supply ducts on the indoor side and the outdoor side of the case, the supply ducts being in communication with the supply flow passage; and fan assemblies in communication with the discharge flow passage and the supply flow passage respectively, thereby improving interchangeability and space utilization of the ventilating system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. P2004-36356 filed on May 21, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ventilating systems, and more particularly, to a ventilating system of an improved structure.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In general, a carbon dioxide content in air of an enclosed space increases as time passes as organisms respire, and makes the organism difficult to breathe. Therefore, in a case many people stay in a small space, such as an office, or a car, it is required to replace room air with outdoor fresh air. To do this, the ventilating system is used.

A related art ventilating system uses one fan for forced discharge of room air to an outside of the room. If the room air has been cooled or heated by other air conditioner, the cold, or warm air is discharged from the room to an outside of the room, while outdoor air leaks through gaps between door or window, without heat exchange, wasting an energy required for cooling or heating the room.

Moreover, the leaking air changes a temperature of the room air suddenly to give unpleasant feeling to the people in the room. Furthermore, the failure in conditioning of humidity of the room air causes to fail in maintaining a comfortable room environment.

Particularly, because introduction of fresh air into the room is blocked while the room air is discharged to the outside of room in a state all the window and door to the room are closed, there is shortage of oxygen in the room.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a ventilating system that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a ventilating system which can reduce an energy loss for air conditioning.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a ventilating system includes at least one regenerative duct assembly including a case having a discharge flow passage for passing room air, and a supply flow passage for passing outdoor air, formed therein, a crossflow type heat exchanger in the case, the crossflow type heat exchanger being provided to make the discharge flow passage, and the supply flow passage to cross each other, discharge ducts on an outdoor side and an indoor side of the case, the discharge ducts being in communication with the discharge flow passage, and supply ducts on the indoor side and the outdoor side of the case, the supply ducts being in communication with the supply flow passage; and fan assemblies in communication with the discharge flow passage and the supply flow passage, respectively.

The fan assembly includes a cabinet having an inlet in one side, and a fan in the cabinet for drawing the air through the inlet. It is preferable that the fan is a centrifugal fan for drawing the air in an axial direction and discharging the air in a radial direction.

The fan assemblies are provided to ends of the indoor side discharge duct and the outdoor side supply duct, respectively.

The crossflow type heat exchanger includes at least one first flow passage in communication with the supply flow passage, at least one second flow passage in communication with the discharge flow passage, the second flow passage being provided to cross the first flow passage, and flat plates separating the first flow passage and the second flow passage.

In the meantime, one pairs of fan assemblies are connected to the indoor side discharge duct, and the outdoor side supply duct in parallel, respectively. The ventilating system further includes a connection duct between the indoor side discharge duct and the fan assemblies, the connection duct having two inlets and one outlet, wherein the outlet is connected to the indoor side discharge duct, and the inlets are connected to the one pair of fan assemblies, respectively.

The ventilating system further includes a connection duct between the outdoor side discharge duct and the fan assemblies, the connection duct having two inlets and one outlet, wherein the outlet is connected to the outdoor side supply duct, and the inlets are connected to the fan assemblies, respectively.

Preferably, the indoor side supply duct and the outdoor side supply duct are mounted at opposite positions of the case in a diagonal direction, and the indoor side discharge duct and the outdoor side supply duct are mounted at positions crossed with the supply ducts.

The outdoor side supply duct has one end connected to the fan assembly, and the other end connected to one side of the case, and the indoor side supply duct has one end connected to the other side of the case, and the other end in communication with the room.

The outdoor discharge duct has one end in communication with an outdoor space, and the other end connected to one side of the case, and the indoor side discharge duct has one end connected to the other side of the case, and the other end connected to the fan assembly.

In the meantime, preferably one pair of the regenerative duct assemblies are provided in parallel to each other. The outdoor side supply ducts of the regenerative duct assemblies are connected to each other with a connection duct having two outlets and one inlet.

The outlets are connected to the outdoor side supply ducts in parallel, and the inlet is connected to the fan assembly. The indoor side discharge ducts of the regenerative duct assemblies are connected with a connection duct having two outlets and one inlet. The outlets are connected to the indoor side discharge ducts in parallel respectively, and the inlet is connected to the fan assembly.

In another aspect of the present invention, a ventilating system includes a regenerative duct assembly including a case having a discharge flow passage for passing room air, and a supply flow passage for passing outdoor air, formed therein, a crossflow type heat exchanger in the case, the crossflow type heat exchanger being provided to make the flow passages to cross each other, discharge ducts on an outdoor side and an indoor side of the case, the discharge ducts being in communication with the discharge flow passage, and supply ducts on the indoor side and the outdoor side of the case, the supply ducts being in communication with the supply flow passage; and fan assemblies in communication with the outdoor side supply duct and the indoor side discharge duct respectively, the fan assemblies having fans in the cabinet for drawing air through the inlet.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings;

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilating system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilating system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a crossflow type heat exchanger applicable to a ventilating system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilating system in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilating system in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

A ventilating system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 attached.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilating system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a case 1, there is a crossflow type heat exchanger 5, having a discharge passage for passing room air, and a supply passage for passing outdoor air, formed to cross each other therein. In this instance, air passing through the passages of the heat exchanger 5 make heat exchange to each other. For an example, heat recovered from a high temperature air being discharged from the room is transferred to a low temperature air supplied to the room from an outside of room, to regenerate a thermal energy of the room.

On opposite sides of the box shaped case 1, there are a supply portion 10 for guiding outdoor air into the room, and a discharge portion 20 for guiding room air to an outside of the room.

The supply portion 10 includes an outdoor side supply duct 11 on an outdoor side of the case 1, and an indoor side supply duct 13 on an indoor side of the case 1. The discharge portion 20 includes an outdoor side discharge duct 23 on an outdoor side of the case 1 and an indoor side discharge duct 21 on an indoor side of the case 1. In conformity to the crossed supply passage and discharge passage in the case 1, the supply ducts 11, and 13, and the discharge ducts 21, and 23 are provided at crossed positions with reference to the case 1.

In the meantime, there is a supply fan 15 at one end of the outdoor side supply duct 11 positioned in the case 1, and there is a discharge fan 25 at one end of the indoor side supply duct 11.

The heat regenerative ventilating system will be described.

When it is required to ventilate room air, power is applied to the discharge fan 25, so that room air is discharged to an outside of room through the indoor side discharge duct 21, the crossflow type heat exchanger 5, and the outdoor side discharge duct 23.

At the same time with this, a power is applied to the supply fan 15, so that, after outdoor fresh air is introduced through the outdoor side supply duct 11, the outdoor air is supplied to the room through the crossflow type heat exchanger 5 and the indoor side supply duct 13. In this instance, the room air and the outdoor air passing through the crossflow type heat exchanger make heat exchange to each other.

In view of air flow configuration in the case 1, the supply fan 15 and the discharge fan 25 are axial for drawing, and discharging air in an axial direction. According to this, heights of the heat exchangers 5 and the ducts 10, and 20 become higher suitable to a height of the axial fan.

Moreover, the integrated ventilating system has a low versatility in application to various ventilating conditions. That is, in a case a flow passage resistance is changed according to a length of the duct, it is required to replace the ventilating system itself for securing a desired ventilating rate.

A ventilating system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described, which solves the foregoing problems.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilating system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the ventilating system includes a regenerative duct assembly 500, and at least one fan assembly 100, and 200. The regenerative duct assembly 500 includes a case 300, a crossflow type heat exchanger 500, discharge ducts 410, and 420, and supply ducts 310, and 320. Particularly, the regenerative duct assembly 500, or the fan assemblies 100, and 200 are modular devices, such that the devices can be replaced, or changed, selectively.

In side of the box shaped case 300, there are a discharge flow passage 430 for passing room air, and a supply flow passage 330 for passing outdoor air. The crossflow type heat exchanger 510 is mounted on an inside of the case 300, and has flow passages that make the discharge flow passage 430 and the supply flow passage 330 to cross.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a crossflow type heat exchanger applicable to a ventilating system of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the crossflow type heat exchanger 510 includes first flow passages 58 a, second flow passages 58 b, and flat plates 58 c which separate the first flow passages 58 a and the second flow passages 58 b. The first flow passages 58 a are provided to cross the first flow passages 58 a such that the first flow passages 58 a are in communication with the supply flow passage, and the second flow passages 58 b are in communication with the discharge flow passage.

Moreover, in order to increase an area of heat exchange with air passing through the flow passages, bent plates 58 d of metal bent in a zigzag shape are mounted on the flow passages respectively. According to this, a heat transfer rate is improved between the air passing through the flow passages, and the plates 58 c, and 58 d.

According to this, the outdoor air passing through the first flow passage 58 heat exchanges with the room air passing through the second flow passage 58 b. Therefore, a portion of thermal energy can be recovered from the room air being discharged to an outside of the room, and regenerated, again.

Moreover, because the outdoor air being supplied to the room is introduced into the room after the outdoor air is air conditioned by means of heat exchange with the room air being discharged to an outside of the room, sudden change of a room environment can be protected.

In the meantime, referring to FIG. 2, the discharge ducts 410, and 420 are connected to the case 300 so that the discharge ducts 410, and 420 are in communication with the discharge flow passage 430, and divided into an outdoor side discharge duct 410 and an indoor side discharge duct 420 with reference to the case 300. The supply ducts 310, and 320 are connected to the case 300 so that the supply ducts 310, and 320 are in communication with the supply flow passage 330, and divided into an outdoor side supply duct 310 and an indoor side supply duct 320 of the case 300.

The fresh outdoor air is supplied to the room through the indoor side supply duct 320 after being introduced into the case 300 and the heat exchanger 510 through the outdoor side supply duct 310. Contaminated room air is discharged to an outside of the room through the outdoor side supply duct 310 after being introduced into the case 300 and the heat exchanger 510 through the indoor side discharge duct 420.

In the meantime, for making the room air and the outdoor air to move, the fan assemblies 100, and 200 are mounted so as to be in communication with the discharge flow passage 430 and the supply flow passage 330. In more detail, an indoor fan assembly 200 is mounted at one end of the indoor side discharge duct 420, and an outdoor fan assembly 100 is mounted at one end of the outdoor side supply duct 310.

The fan assemblies 100, and 200 include cabinets 101, and 201, and fans 110, and 210, respectively. The cabinets 101, and 201, exteriors of the fan assemblies 100, and 200, each has a circular inlet 101 a, or 201 a in one side of an upper surface for drawing air, and a connection opening (not shown) in one side in communication with the duct.

In the cabinet 101, or 201, there is a fan 110, or 210 for drawing air through the inlet 101 a, or 201 a. Preferably, the fan 110, or 210 is of a centrifugal type which draws air in an axial direction, and discharges the air in a radial direction. That is, as the fan 110, or 210 rotates, air is introduced therein through the inlet 101 a, or 201 a, and directed toward the duct through the connection opening.

Since the centrifugal fan can be designed to have a height H′ lower than an axial flow fan by about ½, a height H′ of the ventilating system can be designed low in overall, enabling to install the ventilating system even in a comparatively small space of a ceiling.

In the meantime, connection structures of the ducts will be described in detail, with reference to FIG. 2.

As shown, it is preferable that the indoor side supply duct 320 and the outdoor side supply duct 310 are mounted at opposite positions of the case 300 in a diagonal direction. It is also preferable that the indoor side discharge duct 420 and the outdoor side supply duct 410 are mounted at positions crossed with the supply ducts 320, and 310.

The outdoor side supply duct 310 has one end connected to the outdoor fan assembly 100, and the other end connected to one side of the case 300, and the indoor side supply duct 320 has one end connected to the other side of the case 300, and the other end in communication with the room.

The outdoor side discharge duct 410 has one end in communication with an outdoor space, and the other end connected to one side of the case 300, and the indoor side discharge duct 420 has one end connected to the other end of the case 300, and the other end connected to the indoor fan assembly 200.

According to this, the outdoor air drawn by the outdoor fan assembly 100 is introduced to the case 300 and the heat exchanger 510 through the outdoor side supply duct 310. Opposite to this, the room air drawn by the indoor fan assembly 200 is introduced to the case 300 and the heat exchanger 510 through the indoor side discharge duct 420.

The room air and the outdoor air make heat exchange with each other as the room air and the outdoor air cross each other along the flow passages in the crossflow type heat exchanger 510. Then, the room air is discharged to an outside of the room through the outdoor side discharge duct 410, and the outdoor air is supplied to the room through the indoor side supply duct 310.

In to the second embodiment of the present invention, the modular regenerative duct assembly 500 is interchangeable according to an environmental condition. If there are great pressure losses caused by flow passage resistance coming from long supply duct and the discharge duct, the ventilating system may be changed as follows.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilating system in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, each of the indoor side discharge duct 430 and the outdoor side supply duct 310 has one pair of fan assemblies 100, or 200 connected thereto in parallel. For connection to the one pair of fan assemblies 100, or 200, a connection duct 340, or 440 is employed, which has two inlets and one outlet.

That is, the indoor side discharge duct 420 and the one pair of the indoor fan assemblies 200 are connected with the inside connection duct 440. The outlet of the connection duct 440 is connected to the indoor side discharge duct 420, and the inlets thereof are connected to the one pair of the fan assemblies 200, respectively.

Also, the outdoor side supply duct 310 and the one pair of the outdoor fan assemblies 100 are connected with the outside connection duct 340. In this instance, the outlet of the connection duct 340 is connected to the outdoor side supply duct 310, and the inlets thereof are connected to the one pair of fan assemblies 100, respectively.

As air is drawn, and blown by the one pair of fan assemblies 100, and 200, the room air and the outdoor air can be moved through the discharge flow passage 430 and the supply flow passage 300, well.

Even though a case is taken as an example, in which one pair of fan assemblies are connected in parallel with one duct, the present invention is not limited to this, but more than two fan assemblies may be connected with on duct in parallel.

In the meantime, in a case there is a great temperature difference between room air and outdoor air, to require a higher rate of heat exchange, a ventilating system of the following embodiment may be used.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a ventilating system in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, one pair of the regenerative duct assemblies 500 are installed in parallel, for split flow of the room air and the outdoor air into the two regenerative duct assemblies 500, to increase an overall heat transfer area.

In a case the one pair of regenerative duct assemblies 500 are arranged in parallel, the outside connection duct 340 and the inside connection duct 440 are connected to ends of two adjacent outdoor side supply duct 310 and ends of two adjacent discharge duct 420, respectively.

Each of the connection ducts 340, and 440 has two outlets and one inlet. Therefore, the adjacent outdoor side supply ducts 310 are connected to the outlets of the outside connection duct 340 in parallel respectively, and the inlet is connected to the outdoor fan assembly 100. Also, the one pair of adjacent indoor side discharge ducts 420 are connected to the outlets of the inside connection duct 440 in parallel respectively, and the inlet is connected to the indoor fan assembly 200.

A plurality of fan assemblies may be connected to the inlets of the connection ducts, for stronger blowing of the air.

The ventilating system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Upon supplying power to the indoor fan assembly 200, room air drawn as the fan 210 rotates is split at the inside connection duct 440, passes the indoor side discharge ducts 420, the one pair of cases 300, and the crossflow type heat exchangers 510. Then, the air is discharged to the room through the outdoor side discharge ducts 410.

At the same time with this, when power is supplied to the outdoor fan assembly 100, the outdoor air drawn as the fan 110 rotates is split at the outside connection duct 340, passes the outdoor side supply ducts 310, one pair of cases 300, and the crossflow type heat exchangers 510. Then, the air is supplied to an inside of the room through the indoor side supply ducts 320.

Thus, because the room air and the outdoor air split, and pass the one pair of crossflow type heat exchanger 510, a heat transfer area increases. According to this, a heat transfer rate between the room air and the outdoor air can be improved. Moreover, if it is desired to enhance the heat exchanger rate further, a plurality of the regenerative duct assemblies 500 and the fan assemblies 100, and 200 may be arranged in parallel. According to this, the outdoor air can be supplied to the room after the outdoor air heat exchanges with the room air to a more suitable temperature.

As has been described, the ventilating system of the present invention has the following advantages.

First, the fan assembly of a centrifugal type for blowing the room air and the outdoor air permits to reduce a height of the ventilating system, enabling to install the ventilating system in a small space, like a ceiling.

Second, the modularized regenerative duct assembly and the fan assembly of the ventilating system permits various combination of the assemblies according to a ventilating condition.

Third, the fan assembly provided separate from the regenerative duct assembly permits to deal with a ventilating condition more actively by providing more fan assembly additionally in a case an increase of air supply rate is required.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A ventilating system comprising: at least one regenerative duct assembly including; a case having a discharge flow passage for passing room air, and a supply flow passage for passing outdoor air, formed therein, a crossflow type heat exchanger in the case, the crossflow type heat exchanger being provided to make the discharge flow passage, and the supply flow passage to cross each other, discharge ducts on an outdoor side and an indoor side of the case, the discharge ducts being in communication with the discharge flow passage, and supply ducts on the indoor side and the outdoor side of the case, the supply ducts being in communication with the supply flow passage; and fan assemblies in communication with the discharge flow passage and the supply flow passage, respectively.
 2. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan assembly includes; a cabinet having an inlet in one side, and a fan in the cabinet for drawing the air through the inlet.
 3. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fan is a centrifugal fan for drawing the air in an axial direction and discharging the air in a radial direction.
 4. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan assemblies are provided to ends of the indoor side discharge duct and the outdoor side supply duct, respectively.
 5. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crossflow type heat exchanger includes; at least one first flow passage in communication with the supply flow passage, at least one second flow passage in communication with the discharge flow passage, the second flow passage being provided to cross the first flow passage; and flat plates separating the first flow passage and the second flow passage.
 6. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one pairs of fan assemblies are connected to the indoor side discharge duct, and the outdoor side supply duct in parallel, respectively.
 7. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a connection duct between the indoor side discharge duct and the fan assemblies, the connection duct having two inlets and one outlet, wherein the outlet is connected to the indoor side discharge duct, and the inlets are connected to the one pair of fan assemblies, respectively.
 8. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a connection duct between the outdoor side discharge duct and the fan assemblies, the connection duct having two inlets and one outlet, wherein the outlet is connected to the outdoor side supply duct, and the inlets are connected to the fan assemblies, respectively.
 9. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indoor side supply duct and the outdoor side supply duct are mounted at opposite positions of the case in a diagonal direction, and the indoor side discharge duct and the outdoor side supply duct are mounted at positions crossed with the supply ducts.
 10. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the outdoor side supply duct has one end connected to the fan assembly, and the other end connected to one side of the case, and the indoor side supply duct has one end connected to the other side of the case, and the other end in communication with the room.
 11. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the outdoor discharge duct has one end in communication with an outdoor space, and the other end connected to one side of the case, and the indoor side discharge duct has one end connected to the other side of the case, and the other end connected to the fan assembly.
 12. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one pair of the regenerative duct assemblies are provided in parallel to each other.
 13. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the outdoor side supply ducts of the regenerative duct assemblies are connected to each other with a connection duct having two outlets and one inlet.
 14. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outlets are connected to the outdoor side supply ducts in parallel, and the inlet is connected to the fan assembly.
 15. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the indoor side discharge ducts of the regenerative duct assemblies are connected with a connection duct having two outlets and one inlet.
 16. The ventilating system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the outlets are connected to the indoor side discharge ducts in parallel respectively, and the inlet is connected to the fan assembly.
 17. A ventilating system comprising: a regenerative duct assembly including; a case having a discharge flow passage for passing room air, and a supply flow passage for passing outdoor air, formed therein, a crossflow type heat exchanger in the case, the crossflow type heat exchanger being provided to make the flow passages to cross each other, discharge ducts on an outdoor side and an indoor side of the case, the discharge ducts being in communication with the discharge flow passage, and supply ducts on the indoor side and the outdoor side of the case, the supply ducts being in communication with the supply flow passage; and fan assemblies in communication with the outdoor side supply duct and the indoor side discharge duct respectively, the fan assemblies having fans in the cabinet for drawing air through the inlet. 